Keeping close watch on developments in Pacific Island nations: Govt

New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Government has said that it is aware of various developments related to Pacific Island countries and is keeping a close watch with a bearing on India’s security and interests.

The government said that it is also taking all necessary measures to safeguard India’s interests.

The government’s response came after a question was asked in Lok Sabha whether the government has taken note of the steps taken by the Chinese government for influencing the South Pacific small island nations for setting up its bases to tighten its grip over the region.

Indo-Canadian fined $60K

Toronto, July 14 (IANS) An IndoCanadian gas station owner has been fined $60,000 after a human rights tribunal found that he took advantage of an Indian worker's precarious immigration status. Kuldip Singh, owner of Husky gas station in Burnaby, withheld Harika Kasagoni's overtime pay for two years and accused her of lying about an injury, CBC News reported. She had filed a WorkSafeBC claim for her injury, which angered Singh, who then ended up firing her from the job, which was essential for her to obtain permanent residency status.

The government was further asked whether it has come across the fact that China is pushing security pacts with Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and many other nations and the steps taken in view of the statement of President of Federation of States of Micronesia that China was trying to coerce countries in the region to toe its line on Taiwan. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan in his reply said: “Government is aware of the various developments pertaining to Pacific Island Countries (PICs)... The Government keeps a close watch on all developments